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Anthony Nolan funds, recruits and supports specialist nurses based in UK transplant centres, to raise the standard of post-transplant care around the country.
We want patients and families to have equal access to services and support at whatever stage of recovery and for as long as they need it. This can be achieved through developing our Anthony Nolan clinical nurse specialists (CNS) and collaborating with the transplant, nursing and clinical community.
What is a clinical nurse specialist?
A nurse who has gained experience in an area of nursing practice in which they are considered to be a clinical expert – in this case, stem cell transplant. They deliver specialised care to patients, providing information, guidance and support.
The positive patient benefits of the CNS service are recognised in the NHS report Achieving World-Class Cancer Outcomes.
Why do we need post-transplant clinical nurse specialists?
Anthony Nolan has researched the provision of post-transplant care across the UK. Our policy reports – Road Map to Recovery (2013), Destination Cure (2015) and Who Cares? (2017) – highlighted inconsistencies and gaps in transplant care in the UK.
The clearest outcome was that not all post-transplant patients have a dedicated, named CNS. This gap in service provision has a detrimental impact on a patient’s quality of life and their ability to recover successfully.
Thankfully, many patients learn to live with mild post-transplant side effects; but for some, these symptoms can be debilitating. Given the potential severity of the physical and psychological implications of transplantation, patients need to be offered comprehensive care that is co-ordinated by transplant specialists and that should ensure patients can rapidly access high-quality services to fully meet their care needs.
What does an Anthony Nolan post-transplant CNS do?
As experienced healthcare professionals, each Anthony Nolan CNS has expert knowledge of the unique needs of these patients and they are in the ideal position to be able to provide comprehensive care. They address the medical needs of the patients they are supporting, as well as their emotional and psychological wellbeing.
Although the nurses broadly undertake similar roles, we believe that for our clinical programme to be truly effective, the role of each CNS should be tailored to meet the specific needs of the patients at the transplant centres where they are based, as well as focusing on the areas of care in which existing staff feel they are currently lacking resources.
‘Until recently I didn’t know if I could be strong enough to get through the next day. Then I met my Anthony Nolan CNS. She talked me through my options, helped me understand what was happening to me and empowered me with strength to take control back in my life.’
James, stem cell transplant recipient
How are the roles funded?
For the first three years of a new post, Anthony Nolan commits to pay for the role in full. We work with the hospital that is hosting our CNS throughout that time to prepare them to continue to fund the post themselves at the end of our funded term.
Our Anthony Nolan Lead Nurse works closely with the CNS and their NHS trust to help them to continually evaluate and demonstrate how valuable the role is to the post-transplant service. We are also working with the NCVO Clinical Evaluation Services to formally evaluate and evidence the impact of the roles. This data will endorse the case for improved support and will aid the hosting NHS hospital to maintain the funding on a permanent basis.
Where are they based?
Our CNS programme began in 2014. Our clinical nurse specialists are based in some of the largest transplant centres in the UK:
We are committed to continue to grow the programme and recruit more Anthony Nolan post transplant clinical nurse specialists. This programme, along with shared learning and collaboration with transplant centres and specialists, can begin to build a community of post-transplant experts. Together we will address the inconsistencies and gaps in post-transplant care and improve patients’ post-transplant experience.
I am a healthcare professional and would be interested in applying for funding for a post-transplant role. What do I need to do?
Please email our Lead Nurse: hayley.leonard@anthonynolan.org for any enquiries into funding a CNS at your transplant centre.
If you would like to know more about our Anthony Nolan clinical nurse specialists, contact our Lead Nurse at: hayley.leonard@anthonynolan.org
Information published: 14/11/18
Next review due: 14/11/21